The Music Conservatory offers a wide array of options for adults and children who are not enrolled at San Domenico School through our Community School. Whether a student is just beginning an instrument, or is at an advanced level, faculty work to place the student in lessons and ensembles that serve the student's musical needs. Participants in the Music Conservatory’s programs perform in recitals throughout the school year.
The Full Program runs for a full year (Aug 24-Aug 22). Enrollment includes 1 lesson every week of either 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes in duration (that’s 46 lessons in a year!) and 10 Academy events. These events are listed below:
In this ensemble, students will explore the guitar in a group setting, learning both rhythm accompaniment techniques and music theory. Further development and refinement of basic skills. Introduction to beginning and more intermediate and advanced techniques. Students enrolling in the Beginning class do not any experience, but it is helpful. Student provides his or her own guitar. Students enrolling in the intermediate level class must have prior experience on guitar and understand basic chords/scales.
Napa Valley Music Associates presents the 13th Annual MidSummer MusiCamp for students 9 - 18 years with a minimum of 3 years musical studies on either piano, violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, baritone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, french horn, guitar, drums. This Monday-Friday (9:30-4:00) one, two or three week program offers students an opportunity to be coached by top professional teachers and musicians and work on classical and jazz repertoire with small ensembles.
Clarinetist Bill Kalinkos enjoys a varied freelance career as a member of Alarm Will Sound and Ensemble Signal. Recognized by the Washington Post as a "notable contemporary music specialist," he has been fortunate enough to work with and premiere pieces by some of today's foremost composers including John Adams, Steve Reich, and John Zorn. He has given masterclasses at the universities of Missouri, Miami, and Youngstown State, Otterbein College, the Eastman School of Music, and was recently appointed to the music faculty of the University of California - Santa Cruz.
I have been passionate about teaching ever since I started working with my first student in 1999. My teaching style is tailored to each student's needs and interests, and I am always happy to work with dedicated students, regardless of age or experience - including adults and adult beginners.
Norman Ortiz is an accomplished musician who has worked as a freelance pianist and teacher in the Bay Area since 1984. Mr. Ortiz received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a Master of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and a Certificate of Advanced Study from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London, specializing in vocal accompaniment. As an accompanist, Mr. Ortiz has appeared with numerous singers on stages in London, Moscow (Tchaikowsky Competition), Zürich and San Francisco.
While I come from a mainly classical background, if a student wants to play or sing a rock, jazz, pop, Broadway (or any other genre you can think of!) tune, I am more than happy to oblige. This not only allows students to grow as diverse musicians, but also allows the students to decide which styles they find most rewarding and enjoyable. For this reason, I strive to be flexible in my teaching, striking a precise balance of structure and freedom that each individual student responds to best.
Full-day performing artists participate in our Broadway Bound program, which challenges young people with strong interest in theater. Classes will train the “triple threat” performer in singing, dancing and acting.
Each Broadway Bound session culminates with showcase performances on the last day. Workshops and classes are conducted by a faculty of mid-career theater Artists. Families and friends are always amazed at the number of songs, theatrical scenes and dances performed at the end of these exciting two-week sessions.